When a client experiences panic attacks after high levels of anxiety, which physiological response might the nurse observe?

The correct response reflects the physiological changes that often accompany a state of heightened anxiety leading to panic attacks. During a panic attack, the body engages its fight-or-flight response, which can manifest as significant stress and a variety of physical symptoms.

In this scenario, the observation of becoming pale, experiencing hypotension (lowered blood pressure), and displaying poor muscle coordination are indicators that the body is reacting to acute stress. The pallor results from blood being diverted away from the skin to essential organs and muscles, which is a common response in cases of extreme anxiety. Hypotension can occur as the body reacts to stress hormones that affect vascular resistance. Poor muscle coordination is also a typical response due to the overwhelming nature of panic, which affects motor control and concentration.

Other options reflect different states that don’t align with the physiological changes a nurse would typically observe during a panic attack linked to high anxiety levels. Increased heart rate and high blood pressure are indeed common, but they do not describe hypotension. Relaxed body posture and clear speech would be atypical, as panic is marked by tension and disorganized thoughts. High energy and restlessness can be aspects of anxiety, but they do not encapsulate the profound physiological responses like pallor, hypotension,